Security sleeve

ABSTRACT

A security sleeve including a top panel, a bottom panel, two side panels, a first end, and a second end. The first end of the security sleeve is open and the second end is at least partially closed by at least one bar and the at least one bar is secured to the second end. The security sleeve can be installed in the opening of a wall or panel, e.g., in a shipping container. An air conditioning unit or a heating unit can be installed in the security sleeve through the first end.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/115,582, filed Nov. 18, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure details security sleeves that can be used, for example, in enclosures such as shipping containers, which facilitate and/or consolidate installation of a through-wall air conditioner. In at least one embodiment, the security sleeve creates a highly protective enclosure and, in at least some instances, the sleeve can be installed with a minimum of steps, including in just one step. In contrast to prior industry sleeves that offer little or no impact protection and little or no theft deterrent, that are installed in separately built frames, and that lack security or protective features, in at least one embodiment detailed herein, the security sleeve designs can be welded or bolted directly into a structure with few if any additional steps. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the security sleeve can become a permanent part of the structure after installation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate the presently preferred embodiments of the disclosure, and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the disclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an exemplary security sleeve.

FIGS. 2a through 2e show various views of the exemplary security sleeve of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3a through 3c and FIGS. 4a and 4b show views of an exemplary installation of the exemplary security sleeve of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of an exemplary security sleeve.

FIGS. 6a through 6e show various views of the exemplary security sleeve of FIG. 5.

FIGS. 7a through 7c and FIGS. 8a and 8b show views of an exemplary installation of the security sleeve of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the drawings, like numerals indicate like elements throughout. Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as limiting. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. The embodiments illustrated below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit to the precise form disclosed. These embodiments are chosen and described to best explain the principles, application, and practical use, and to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure.

In at least one aspect, the security sleeve 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 a through 2 e includes top panel 12, side panels 14,16, and bottom panel 18 formed in a substantially rectangular sleeve with bars or other support rods 20 attached along one side of the rectangular prismatic shape. As shown in FIG. 1, the bars 20 are disposed at a back end 22 of the security sleeve 10. As best shown in FIG. 4b , the security sleeve 10 also includes a front end 24, which is generally an open end, sized to receive an air conditioning unit U or other sized object for installation in the security sleeve 10. The interior 30 of the security sleeve 10 is shown in FIG. 1. In at least one exemplary embodiment, panels 12, 14, 16, 18 can have a depth approximately 17 inches from front end 24 to back end 22, the panels 14 and 16 can extend approximately 15.75 inches in height, and the panels 12, 18 can extend approximately 26.25 inches in width, and the bars 20 can be spaced along the back end 22 of the security sleeve 10 with centers of the bars 20 spaced approximately 5.25 inches apart. Further, in at least one instance, the flat panels 14, 16 can be approximately 15.5 inches by 15 and 5/16 inches and include an angled portion with two angled ends at 1.5 inches and including 90 degrees R. 13. Additionally, in at least one instance, the flat panels 12, 18 can be approximately 26 inches by 15 and 5/16 inches and include an angled portion with two angled ends at 1.5 inches and including 90 degrees R. 13. FIG. 2e shows the bottom of the sleeve along line A-A as shown in FIG. 2 d.

The panels 12, 14, 16, 18 and bars/rods 20 as shown FIGS. 1-4 b comprise metal that can be welded, but can be formed of other materials and can be attached in other manners. The welding process to connect components can be, for example, a Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process and can utilize wire for welding, such as ER70-56 filler wire. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the weld area to connect the bars 20 is deburred and prepped, e.g. with an abrasive disc or pad prior to welding. In the exemplary process of formation in the figures, the welds can be ground smooth to leave a radius tangent to the base metal. After welding and grinding, the exemplary process can include applying weld-thru primer locally to the weld areas.

Depending on installation parameters, additional features can be included in the security sleeve 10, including, for example, drilling drainage holes 40 in preferred locations. One example of drainage holes 40 is shown in FIG. 2e , where two drain holes 40 are shown. When included, the drainage holes 40 will typically be deburred after being formed. In at least one exemplary embodiment, holes 40 are disposed in bottom panel 18 and each spaced from a corner of back end 22, with the center of the holes 40 spaced approximately 0.5 inches and 1 inch from each corner and each hole 40 having a diameter of 0.375 inches.

FIGS. 3a through 3c and FIGS. 4a and 4b show views of an exemplary installation of the security sleeve 10 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3a , a specific sized hole or opening 50 is cut or otherwise created into the wall or panel P, with the opening 50 sized to receive the security sleeve 10. FIGS. 3b and 3c show rear and side views of the security sleeve 10 installed in the hole/opening 50 shown in FIG. 3a . In at least one exemplary embodiment, the opening 50 can be rectangular at approximately 26 inches with a tolerance of 0.125 inches by 15.75 inches with a tolerance of 0.125 inches. In regards to installation, in at least one exemplary embodiment involving a Conex container or any other steel structure, the sleeve is formed of heavy gauge material (e.g., for example, 11 g or 3/16-inch) to allow the structure to be either welded all the way around the sleeve and/or spot welded. In at least another exemplary embodiment involving a non-welded application, angle iron uprights, e.g., for example, 2″×2″ angle iron uprights, can be welded to the sleeve and holes can be punched for a bolt-in application utilizing carriage bolts, e.g. from the exterior. In at least one other exemplary embodiment, a similar type of installation can be performed from the interior side as well utilizing lag bolts or self-threading screws. Once the opening is cut or otherwise formed, the sleeve can be installed and affixed to the wall, panel, or container.

FIG. 4a shows an isometric view of the security sleeve 10 installed in the opening 50. FIG. 4b shows an exemplary HVAC or other unit U being installed in the security sleeve. The unit U is typically installed from the interior of the building, container, or other structure in the direction indicated by arrow 60 shown in FIG. 4b . When installing, the weld bead can be sealed with commercial sealant on the inner and outer side of the panel P. If provided, the drain holes 40 should be facing downward to avoid pooling or condensate, rainwater, or other fluid.

FIGS. 5 through 8 b are substantially similar to FIGS. 1 through 4 b respectively, but show a second exemplary embodiment of a security sleeve 110. In at least one aspect, the security sleeve 110 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 a through 6 e includes top panel 112, side panels 114,116, and bottom panel 118 formed in a substantially rectangular sleeve with bars or other support rods 120 attached along one side of the rectangular prismatic shape. As shown in FIG. 5, the bars 120 are disposed at a back end 122 of the security sleeve 110. As best shown in FIG. 8b , the security sleeve 110 also includes a front end 124, which is generally an open end, sized to receive an air conditioning unit U or other sized object for installation in the security sleeve 110. The interior 130 of the security sleeve 110 is shown in FIG. 5. In at least one exemplary embodiment, panels 112, 114, 116, 118 can have a depth approximately 13.875 inches from front end 124 to back end 122, the panels 114 and 116 can extend approximately 16.25 inches in height, and the panels 112, 118 can extend approximately 42.25 inches in width, and the bars 120 can be spaced along the back end 122 of the security sleeve 110 with centers of the bars 120 spaced approximately 5.5 inches apart. Further, in at least one instance, the flat panels 114, 116 can be approximately 16 inches by 15 and 5/16 inches and include an angled portion with two angled ends at 1.5 inches and including 90 degrees R. 13. Additionally, in at least one instance, the flat panels 112, 118 can be approximately 42 inches by 15 and 5/16 inches and include an angled portion with two angled ends at 1.5 inches and including 90 degrees R. 13. FIG. 6e shows the bottom of the sleeve along line A-A as shown in FIG. 6 d.

The panels 112, 114, 116, 118 and bars/rods 120 as shown FIGS. 5-8 b comprise metal that can be welded, but can be formed of other materials and can be attached in other manners. The welding process to connect components can be, for example, a Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process and can utilize wire for welding, such as ER70-56 filler wire. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the weld area to connect the bars 120 is deburred and prepped, e.g. with an abrasive disc or pad prior to welding. In the exemplary process of formation in the figures, the welds can be ground smooth to leave a radius tangent to the base metal. After welding and grinding, the exemplary process can include applying weld-thru primer locally to the weld areas.

Depending on installation parameters, additional features can be included in the security sleeve 110, including, for example, drilling drainage holes 140 in preferred locations. One example of drainage holes 140 is shown in FIG. 6e , where two drain holes 140 are shown. When included, the drainage holes 140 will typically be deburred after being formed. In at least one exemplary embodiment, holes 140 are disposed in bottom panel 118 and each spaced from a corner of back end 122, with the center of the holes 140 spaced approximately 13/16 inches and 1 inch from each corner and each hole 140 having a diameter of 0.375 inches.

FIGS. 7a through 7c and FIGS. 8a and 8b show views of an exemplary installation of the security sleeve 110 of FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 7a , a specific sized hole or opening 150 is cut or otherwise created into the wall or panel P, with the opening 150 sized to receive the security sleeve 110. FIGS. 7b and 7c show rear and side views of the security sleeve 110 installed in the hole/opening 150 shown in FIG. 7a . In at least one exemplary embodiment, the opening 150 can be rectangular at approximately 42.25 inches with a tolerance of 0.125 inches by 16.25 inches with a tolerance of 0.125 inches. In regards to installation, in at least one exemplary embodiment involving a Conex container or any other steel structure, the sleeve is formed of heavy gauge material (e.g., for example, 11 g or 3/16-inch) to allow the structure to be either welded all the way around the sleeve and/or spot welded. In at least another exemplary embodiment involving a non-welded application, angle iron uprights, e.g., for example, 2″×2″ angle iron uprights, can be welded to the sleeve and holes can be punched for a bolt-in application utilizing carriage bolts, e.g. from the exterior. In at least one other exemplary embodiment, a similar type of installation can be performed from the interior side as well utilizing lag bolts or self-threading screws. Once the opening is cut or otherwise formed, the sleeve can be installed and affixed to the wall, panel, or container.

FIG. 8a shows an isometric view of the security sleeve 110 installed in the opening 150. FIG. 8b shows an exemplary HVAC or other unit U being installed in the security sleeve. The unit U is typically installed from the interior of the building, container, or other structure in the direction indicated by arrow 160 shown in FIG. 8b . When installing, the weld bead can be sealed with commercial sealant on the inner and outer side of the panel P. If provided, the drain holes 140 should be facing downward to avoid pooling or condensate, rainwater, or other fluid.

In at least one embodiment, the security sleeve can be built from plate steel to provide significant impact protection for the air conditioner across applications as well as functioning as a security feature by not allowing the opening to be used as a potential point of entry. In at least one embodiment, the security sleeve can be fully welded around its perimeter adding strength to the structure as well as gaining strength from the structure the security sleeve is welded into. The weld-in application of the security sleeve, such as is described hereinabove, creates a weatherproof or substantially weatherproof installation and makes the security sleeve a permanent and structural element of the shipping container. Alternatively, the security sleeve can be installed using conventional fasteners, e.g., by using substrate appropriate screws being applied through the sides from the inside going outward into framing around the provided opening.

The security sleeve can be produced in any size, including industry standard sizes and is an ideal protective/installation feature for mobile, jobsite, industrial, high traffic, high crime and most air conditioning applications, including those using Through-Wall and P-TAC type air conditioners.

In at least one embodiment, the security sleeve is recommended to be installed with a slight tilt, such as 3 to 5 degrees of tilt, to allow gravity drainage of condensation to the exterior, such as through the provided drain holes. Upon installation, the air conditioner simply slides into the security sleeve and is held in place by applying fasteners through the sleeve and into the air conditioner chassis. Field installation and/or replacement of an existing sleeve can occur quickly and with clear parameters.

In one exemplary embodiment, a security sleeve includes a top panel, a bottom panel, two side panels, and a first end and a second end. The first end is open and the second end is at least partially closed by at least one bar, and the at least one bar is secured to the second end. Additionally, the security sleeve can be sized to fit into an opening in a wall. The opening can be in a shipping container. The security sleeve can be secured to the wall. The at least one bar includes at least four bars spaced along the second end. The security sleeve can be sized to receive an air conditioning unit or a heating unit through the first end. Additionally, at least one drain hole can be disposed adjacent the second end. Additionally still, the air conditioning unit or the heating unit can be secured to the security sleeve. Further, the security sleeve and the at least one bar are formed of metal.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method of using a security sleeve includes forming the security sleeve, with the security sleeve including a top panel, a bottom panel, two side panels, a first end, and a second end. The first end of the security sleeve is open and the second end is at least partially closed by at least one bar. The at least one bar is secured to the second end. The method further includes installing the security sleeve in an opening of a wall. Optionally, the opening can be in a shipping container. The security sleeve can be secured to the wall. The at least one bar can include at least four bars spaced along the second end. The security sleeve can be sized to receive an air conditioning unit or a heating unit through the first end. Additionally, at least one drain hole can be disposed adjacent the second end. Further, the air conditioning unit or the heating unit can be secured to the security sleeve. Further still, the security sleeve and the at least one bar can be formed of metal.

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the instant detailed description, examples, and claims. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific systems, devices, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The instant description is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention in its best, currently known aspect. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that many changes can be made to the aspects described, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present disclosure. Thus, the instant description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a “body” includes aspects having two or more bodies unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

Terms used herein, such as “exemplary” or “exemplified,” are not meant to show preference, but rather to explain that the aspect discussed thereafter is merely one example of the aspect presented.

Additionally, as used herein, relative terms, such as “substantially”, “generally”, “approximately”, and the like, are utilized herein to represent an inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

Although several aspects of the disclosure have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other aspects of the disclosure will come to mind to which the disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific aspects disclosed hereinabove, and that many modifications and other aspects are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims that follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A security sleeve comprising: a top panel; a bottom panel; two side panels; a first end and a second end; wherein the first end is open and the second end is at least partially closed by at least one bar; wherein the at least one bar is secured to the second end.
 2. The security sleeve of claim 1 wherein the security sleeve is sized to fit into an opening in a wall.
 3. The security sleeve of claim 2 wherein the opening is in a shipping container.
 4. The security sleeve of claim 2 wherein the security sleeve is secured to the wall.
 5. The security sleeve of claim 1 wherein the at least one bar includes at least four bars spaced along the second end.
 6. The security sleeve of claim 1 wherein the security sleeve is sized to receive an air conditioning unit or a heating unit through the first end.
 7. The security sleeve of claim 6 wherein at least one drain hole is disposed adjacent the second end.
 8. The security sleeve of claim 6 wherein the air conditioning unit or the heating unit is secured to the security sleeve.
 9. The security sleeve of claim 1 wherein the security sleeve and the at least one bar are formed of metal.
 10. A method of using a security sleeve comprising: forming the security sleeve; wherein the security sleeve includes a top panel, a bottom panel, two side panels, a first end, and a second end; wherein the first end of the security sleeve is open and the second end is at least partially closed by at least one bar; wherein the at least one bar is secured to the second end; installing the security sleeve in an opening of a wall.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the opening is in a shipping container.
 12. The method of claim 10 wherein the security sleeve is secured to the wall.
 13. The method of claim 10 wherein the at least one bar includes at least four bars spaced along the second end.
 14. The method of claim 10 wherein the security sleeve is sized to receive an air conditioning unit or a heating unit through the first end.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein at least one drain hole is disposed adjacent the second end.
 16. The method of claim 14 wherein the air conditioning unit or the heating unit is secured to the security sleeve.
 17. The method of claim 10 wherein the security sleeve and the at least one bar are formed of metal. 